Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Berberis darwinii
Darwin's Barberry
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 6 to 10 feet
- Flower color
- Deep golden orange to yellow orange flowers borne in drooping clusters
- Foliage color
- Small glossy dark green spiny holly like leaves often tinged bronze when young
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring often March to April
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to average
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to shape plants and remove older stems to maintain density
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies and birds that feed on the small dark blue berries
About this plant
Berberis darwinii carries dense branching lined with small, glossy, dark green leaves edged with fine spines. The foliage forms a textured evergreen framework that remains colorful throughout the year. In mid to late spring, clusters of warm orange to golden-orange flowers appear along the stems, their small cup-shaped blooms gathered in drooping groups that glow against the dark leaves. By late summer, the flowers give way to small blue-black berries with a dusty bloom.
Native to southern Chile and Argentina, Berberis darwinii was introduced to gardens during the nineteenth century. It provides dependable evergreen structure in borders, wildlife plantings, and hedges where the spring flowers attract pollinators and the berries offer food for birds.
Works well in
Borders · Hedging & Privacy · Bird Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth
Design tip
Use this evergreen to create a colorful backdrop along a border or property edge, where its spring flowers can really shine. Layer smaller shrubs and perennials in front to soften its dense form and create a welcoming, naturally balanced garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
